Gżira Scaffolding Collapse: Driver’s Close Call on Triq il-Kbira

Scaffolding Collapse in Gżira: A Close Call on Triq il-Kbira

Imagine driving down Triq il-Kbira in Gżira, the sun beaming down, radio playing your favorite tune. Suddenly, a deafening crash. Not a car backfiring, but a towering scaffold giving way, collapsing like a house of cards. This was the terrifying reality for a local driver last week.

Caught on Camera

Thanks to a dashcam, we can relive the moment. The footage, obtained by Hot Malta, shows the scaffold swaying ominously before toppling onto the road, narrowly missing the car. The driver, visibly shaken, can be seen exiting the vehicle to survey the damage.

“I’ve driven past that scaffold every day for months,” said the driver, who wishes to remain anonymous. “I never thought it would come crashing down like that.”

Investigation Launched

The incident has sparked an investigation by the Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA). “We’re looking into the cause of the collapse,” said an OHSA spokesperson. “It could be due to structural issues, weather conditions, or human error. We’ll leave no stone unturned.”

Meanwhile, the site’s developer has issued a statement expressing their concern for the driver’s safety and promising to ensure all their sites adhere to the highest safety standards.

This isn’t the first time scaffolding has caused concern in Malta. In 2019, a similar incident in Birkirkara left a street closed for hours. The OHSA has since been working to improve safety standards, with regular inspections and stiff penalties for non-compliance.

For now, residents and workers in Gżira can breathe a sigh of relief. The scaffold has been removed, and the street is back to its bustling self. But the close call serves as a reminder of the importance of safety standards and regular maintenance.

“I’m just glad I’m okay,” said the driver. “It could have been so much worse.”